NFL Briefs

Saints' receiver Reed breaks his right leg

New Orleans New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jake Reed broke his right leg during practice on Wednesday.

Reed will miss six weeks, coach Jim Haslett said.

A free agent signed during the offseason, Reed had started each of the Saints' first six games and had 14 catches for 170 yards.

Officials supervisor apologizes to 49ers

Santa Clara, Calif. The NFL has apologized to the San Francisco 49ers for a questionable pass interference penalty late in their 31-28 loss at Green Bay on Sunday.

San Francisco coach Steve Mariucci said NFL supervisor of officials Mike Pereira called the 49ers on Tuesday and admitted back judge Tony Steratore shouldn't have called pass interference against cornerback Jason Webster when he defended Green Bay's Donald Driver in the end zone with 9:18 to play.

Gifford's No. 16 retired by Giants

East Rutherford, N.J. Hall of Famer Frank Gifford had his No. 16 quietly retired by the New York Giants last week.

Longtime owner Wellington Mara surprised Gifford when he announced the jersey retirement at a private dinner in New York City to honor the former player and broadcaster.

Carruth's lawyers say Adams angered friend

Charlotte, N.C. Lawyers for former pro football player Rae Carruth claim his pregnant girlfriend was fatally shot by a friend of his who was angry because the athlete refused to finance a drug deal. A 16-page motion filed Wednesday, five days before jury selection is to begin in Carruth's murder trial, claims confessed triggerman Van Brett Watkins fatally shot Cherica Adams when she made an obscene gesture at him, not because Carruth paid to have her killed.

Ex-49er Nomellini dies

Stanford, Calif. Leo Nomellini, a two-way Hall of Fame player who starred for the San Francisco 49ers from 1950-1963, died from complications from a stroke. He was 76.